Help! The Frosty Noble's Son Is in Love With Me!-Chapter 392: Wishing I Could Forget Those Memories Forever
Qu Fulan shook her head, "Daiyu said, ’He comes today, and I will come tomorrow. In this way, we alternate without it being too lonely or too lively. Sister, how could you not understand this reasoning?’"
The Empress Dowager also laughed upon hearing this, "That makes sense. This Daiyu girl has a meticulous heart, even considering such things. It’s evident that living under someone else’s roof makes one naturally sentimental."
Then Qu Fulan spoke of amusing incidents at the feast, where Lin Daiyu subtly mocked Jia Baoyu for listening to others by holding a hand warmer while urging him to drink cold wine.
The elderly Empress Dowager sighed repeatedly, "This Lin girl is too straightforward, saying everything out loud, which makes it easy to offend. But it’s not entirely her fault; she’s still young. How could she understand the complexities of the adult world? What happened afterward?"
Qu Fulan smiled and said, "If you wish to know what happened next, you’ll have to wait for the next installment."
The Empress Dowager paused momentarily, then smiled, "You sly girl, teasing me like this."
Qu Fulan said, "Also, this story really is too long to finish in a short time. Besides, sitting for too long isn’t good for the body. We should get up and move around so we don’t feel sore the next day."
"You’re so thoughtful, child. Well then, let’s stop here for today. I am indeed a bit tired. We will continue another day."
Whenever Qu Fulan enters the palace, Pei Ji’an is sure to follow and enter as well, though he is in the Imperial Study Room discussing matters with the Emperor. Interestingly, Prince Xiao also came to the palace today to report to the Emperor, and the two happened to run into each other.
The Emperor originally intended to assign them to complete a task together. Just as he finished speaking, he heard that Princess Mingzhu had come out of the Empress Dowager’s residence. Then the Emperor suddenly changed his mind, "Xiao, just handle this alone. I’ve arranged something different for Pei."
Xiao Shiqing felt a bit troubled, "Your Majesty, this task requires cooperation between two departments to accomplish it properly. I’m afraid handling it alone might be challenging."
Pei Ji’an and Xiao Shiqing belonged to different departments, and certain matters required signatures from Pei Ji’an’s side before Xiao Shiqing’s department could follow suit to complete the task.
If it was only one or the other, the remaining departments might not acknowledge it.
The Emperor said, "What’s so difficult about that? Once you’ve completed the work, just get Heir Pei to sign off."
Xiao Shiqing: "..." Emperor, could you be any more biased?
If he did all the work and then Pei Ji’an signed off, it would be credited to both of them, which felt rather unjust.
If they were real brothers, it would be okay, but they were rivals, making helping each other uncomfortable.
The Emperor rubbed his nose, knowing this was improper, but wasn’t he doing it for his daughter’s happiness? If he sent Pei Ji’an away on errands, his daughter would be left alone. How could that be?
After much thought, he could only inconvenience Prince Xiao, "I assure you, I will reward you heavily for this. You won’t be short-changed."
Xiao Shiqing: Ha.
Pei Ji’an: What a delightful surprise.
An eunuch entered from outside, "Your Majesty, Princess Mingzhu is already waiting outside the Imperial Study Room."
Qu Fulan had already met the Emperor upon entering the palace, so there was no need for another meeting right now. The Emperor waved Pei Ji’an off to leave, while Xiao Shiqing was about to leave but was called back by the Emperor.
"Why are you in such a hurry? The couple walked off together, wouldn’t you feel awkward being alone? Stay a while longer before leaving."
Xiao Shiqing: Truly, thank you, Your Majesty, for your understanding.
The Emperor: No need to be polite. After all, you are always thinking about my daughter, as if I didn’t know.
With their own thoughts, the monarch and subject drank five cups of tea in the Imperial Study Room before the Emperor finally allowed Xiao Shiqing to leave.
When Xiao Shiqing left, naturally not a soul could be seen.
In fact, he wouldn’t go out of the way to pay attention to her nowadays. He only wanted to see her if they happened to cross paths, and if not, so be it.
As it happened, the task assigned by the Emperor was centered around the area near Li Niang’s tofu skin bun shop, so Xiao Shiqing immediately rode there.
Upon arriving at the tofu skin bun shop, he learned that Li Hua hadn’t come today and inquired about the reason, discovering it was because she felt unwell.
Li Hua was indeed unwell today; poor sleep was one reason, and the arrival of her monthly cycle was another.
Every time it came, she felt extremely uncomfortable and was unable to work. So rather than delay matters, she opted to take leave.
Nowadays, Li Niang was in stable condition for three months and could occasionally help, plus she directed from the side, leaving Shi Yi to do any heavy or laborious work, so the business at the tofu skin bun shop was hardly impacted.
Mrs. Li, aware of Li Hua’s monthly cycle, lovingly made some brown sugar water for her.
Li Hua drank the warm brown sugar water and took a nap, waking up feeling somewhat better.
Perhaps due to poor sleep the night before and exhaustion from her monthly cycle today, she slept without dreaming this time.
Luckily, because otherwise, whenever she had that dream, she felt a pain akin to cramps and skinning.
It was indeed painful, too painful, a pain so profound she didn’t even want to remember it, wishing to forget those past moments forever.
Li Hua’s changes went unnoticed by Mrs. Li and others because, although she was lively before, not to the point where a day of subdued behavior would seem strange.
And having just been injured, who is in the mood to joke around when unwell?
Mrs. Li thought Li Hua had no issues, anticipating everything would be back to normal once she recovered physically.
Jinxiu and Chen Zhengsheng were married but lived close, often returning home every few days for a reunion, sometimes even bringing the mother-in-law along, enjoying family harmony.
Speaking of Chen Zhengsheng’s mother, one must mention the blessing Jinxiu brought; originally, Mrs. Chen’s health wasn’t good, and it felt like she wouldn’t hold out. But once her son got married, her health improved, and neighbors attributed it to successful fortune-bringing.
Thus, Jinxiu naturally became someone blessed.
Mrs. Chen was easy to get along with, and Mrs. Li wasn’t harsh, so their families approached each other as one, evoking envy from all.
Li Hua also envied this; she dreamed of having such a marriage and love, yet never attained it in life.
Each person has their fate; hers lacked that fortune. Accepting reality and living each day earnestly is enough.
Individuals need money to live, so making money diligently is enough, emulating Young Lady Pei, who focuses on her career even after marrying into power.
A woman with wealth gains the foundation to stand independently.
If she acquired this awareness sooner, perhaps...
Li Hua shook her head; these were past matters, what use is dwelling on them? Now, she should just look forward.
One cannot teach another if they won’t learn; experiences teach you lessons in time.
Wasn’t Qu Fulan the same way?
Thus she never gives up on her career, fortunate to have met a man who supports it.
The road ahead is long, mutual support and assistance are essential to continue.
Two days later, Qu Fulan encountered Li Hua again.
Li Hua had returned to work at the tofu skin bun shop, focused on making the buns in the kitchen, exhibiting a sense of calmness amidst the passage of time.
